Sergiy Korsunsky chatting with the media on the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey on April 22, 2014.
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SINGAPORE — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will doubtless go to Ukraine’s capital earlier than the G-7 Hiroshima Summit, Ukraine’s ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky informed CNBC.
The envoy’s feedback come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended a digital G-7 leaders’ assembly Friday on Kishida’s invitation because the world marked one 12 months of the warfare in Ukraine.
When CNBC requested if the ambassador sees Kishida visiting earlier than Japan hosts the summit in Might, Korsunsky answered, “for certain,” with out elaborating additional on the timeline of the potential journey.
“He understands totally that G-7 chair[‘s] duty is to go to go to Ukraine earlier than [the] summit in Hiroshima,” Korsunsky mentioned, including that it’s a matter of “when and the way.”
Kishida’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to CNBC’s request for remark.
“From my discussions with the political leaders round Kishida[‘s trip], within the parliament and the federal government, he’s very a lot prepared to go,” he mentioned. “They may end result, I am certain in the absolute best method as quickly as attainable,” he mentioned.
Following U.S. President Joe Biden’s shock go to, Kishida is the one chief left among the many Group of Seven who has not visited Ukraine since Russia invaded final 12 months.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.Okay. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have all visited.
Kishida’s journey would make him the second Asian chief after Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s go to in June final 12 months.
“We would like this to occur as quickly as attainable,” mentioned Korsunsky, including he can’t make particulars surrounding the discussions of the journey public.
European Fee President Ursula Von der Leyen, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and European Council President Charles Michel pictured at a Particular European council summit, in Brussels, Thursday 09 February 2023.
Nicolas Maeterlinck | AFP | Getty Pictures
He emphasised logistical points stay one of many prime issues of a possible journey by Kishida to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy go to to Hiroshima
The ambassador mentioned safety issues are additionally a precedence in disucssions about Zelenskyy’s potential go to to the Japanese metropolis of Hiroshima, house to the location of the world’s first atomic bombing.
If prolonged an invitation from G-7 nations, the ambassador mentioned Zelenskyy would “fastidiously contemplate this chance, bearing in mind … problems with logistics and safety.”
He added Zelenskyy must contemplate “attainable provocations” earlier than making the journey.
“To fly to Japan is completely different than to fly to america. While you fly within the west path, you fly over pleasant territory,” he mentioned. “If you happen to fly into the East, it’s important to fastidiously contemplate each attainable provocations,” he mentioned.
Korsunsky famous a possible journey by Zelenskyy to Hiroshima would carry symbolic significance provided that Ukraine faces “credible threats” just like that of the atomic bombings on Japan throughout World Conflict II.
“Japan skilled as properly nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and that is a menace which now exists, with a reputable menace in opposition to Ukraine,” he mentioned.
“If President Zelenskyy personally will attend summit in Hiroshima, that will probably be an especially highly effective message to the world, concerning the intentions of the G-7 to struggle in opposition to nuclear terrorists in any type,” he mentioned.
‘Purple line’ for China
When requested about U.S. fears that China may present deadly weapons to Russia, Korsunsky mentioned, “China should perceive this can be a crimson line which can’t be crossed.”
“You should not open Pandora’s field with nuclear mates,” he mentioned. “I wish to hope that China will change its perspective as soon as the clear image of atrocities dedicated by Russia turns into extra clear,” he mentioned.
The ambassador nonetheless remained skeptical of such plans resulting in tangible actions.
“Even when such discussions are occurring someplace in Beijing’s political circles, I imagine they’ll go nowhere,” he mentioned.